Looks like I can get both parts NEW in box for around $200-$225 thru ebay from reputable sellers - I'm assuming the previous owners used this washing machine for some time despite the mode shifter failure ... How big an issue is this failure to the long-term health of the washer ie., is this a big deal that needs replaced immediately or can I ignore it for a cpl months till I feel like being inconvenienced by having to tear this apart?

My assumption is since both the motor and tranny gets replaced, nothing else will suffer if I leave it be for now because there really ISN'T anything else that is affected by the erratic drum movement. Ur thoughts?

Just got off the phone with GE and they wouldn't give the parts free of charge because they didn't see a service bulletin / recall on their end pertaining to this washer but they did offer not to charge me $450 total retail but instead a discounted $225 parts +$6 shipping plus local tax ... think I'm gonna go the ebay route

Thats kinda like the same money or close to e-bay? If your bent on doing this i would of went with G.E.And you do know that to get the tub out you need a special tool or a big socket to get that nut off that can be a bitch.